DCS: MiG-15bis

Developed in the years immediately following World War II, the MiG-15bis was a first-generation jet fighter designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau of the Soviet Union. The MiG-15bis is a single engine, swept-wing jet that saw over 15,000 copies produced. The MiG-15 gained fame in the skies over Korea where it battled the F-86 Sabre and other allied aircraft. It proved an excellent match to the Sabre, and it often came down to the skill of the pilot that determined who made it home and who was left dangling from a parachute. Having an excellent thrust-to-weight ratio and good climbing characteristics, the MiG-15bis was also armed with two NR-23 23mm cannons and a single, powerful N-37 37mm cannon. Not surprisingly, it is considered by many as one of the deadliest fighters of the era.

Introduction

DCS: MiG-15bis is a simulation of the Soviet Union's vanguard jet fighter and one of the most mass-produced jets in history – the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15. The MiG-15 gained fame in the skies over Korea where it battled the American F-86 Sabre and other allied aircraft during the Korean War (1950-1953). The MiG-15's appearance in Korea became known as the "Korean surprise" due to its unexpected combat effectiveness. From late December 1950 up to the end of war in July 1953, the MiG-15 proved to be the primary aerial opponent of the equally distinguished F-86 Sabre.

The MiG-15 is a swept-wing jet fighter developed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich experimental design bureau (OKB) in the late 1940s, entering service with the Soviet Air and Air Defense Forces in 1949. The aircraft has an extensive combat history that includes several conflicts apart from the Korean War, including the Arab-Israeli wars. Thanks to its high reliability, remarkable performance, ease of flight training and operations, the MiG-15 remained in service with the USSR for nearly 20 years and in foreign service until 2006 (Albanian Air Force[source])! Apart from fighter missions, it was used as a reconnaissance aircraft, target aircraft and prototype for a variety of weapons and systems tests. The following modifications of the MiG-15 have been produced: MiG-15, MiG-15S, MiG-15PB, MiG-15bis, MiG-15Rbis(SR), MiG-15S6IS(SD-UPB), MiG-15UTM, MiG-15P UTI, MiG-15M. In total, over 15,000 of these aircraft were manufactured (almost twice as many as the American counterpart, the Sabre). The aircraft is armed with three cannons (two 23 mm and one 37 mm) and can be further armed with two 100 kg bombs.

The MiG-15bis model featured in the simulation is an upgraded model from the original, powered by the more powerful Soviet-produced VK-1 engine in place of the original British Rolls Royce Nene-I (II).

Model overview

The DCS: MiG-15bis model developed by the experienced team at Belsimtek (BST) is a virtual reproduction of the famous aircraft. The exterior, cockpit and operation of all aircraft systems have been thoroughly simulated. Following in the footsteps of previous BST models, the engine and flight models demonstrate performance dynamics that very closely match those of the real aircraft. The armament system, including cannon and bombing systems, is modeled accurately in full operational detail. An in-depth design of each aircraft system was the focus behind the modeling effort, leading to complex and dynamic interdependencies between systems. This complex modeling approach produces a virtual, "breathing" aircraft and helps to immerse the player in the simulation environment and the military machine under his control. Particular attention was paid to capturing the audio environment of the MiG-15 pilot, guided by the principle: "if the sound exists in the real MiG, then it must be present in our simulation!"

Given the chance, real world pilots have shown uncharacteristic enthusiasm when flying BST's MiG-15bis. The aircraft is forgiving (both in reality and in our simulation) and is much easier to takeoff and land than propeller-driven aircraft. This means the model will not be difficult to master even for beginners. Despite the "hardcore" depth of flight, engine and systems simulation, the design team focused on further increasing, compared to previous BST products, assistance for beginner pilots – starting from entering the cockpit and throughout the entire flight (described further below).

The relative ease of flight control, in particular during takeoff and landing, high flight speeds, and most importantly lack of overly complex aircraft systems to master – all generate an atmosphere of the true romance of a military pilot. It is personal skill and not the sophistication of systems and missiles that determine the victor in this generation of dogfighters. Mastering such aircraft is a matter of determination and effort, as well as a cause for personal pride of achievement!

We are confident that the care and dedication invested by every member of the BST team in this simulation will provide players with real enjoyment when strapping into the MiG-15bis - from the first takeoff run to the pinnacle of mastering this legendary aircraft. As always, we are excited to take part in the exploration of combat aviation history, its engineering and human accomplishments, and above all to take like-minded enthusiasts along for the ride in this virtual MiG-15bis!

Cockpit

The MiG-15bis cockpit model is created to the highest standards set by BST – maximum accuracy. The model is based on the MiG-15bis modification equipped with the OSP-48 instrument approach system, i.e. with additional radio navigation equipment. Cockpit indicators, instrument panel, control panels, flight controls and individual cockpit elements are covered with high resolution textures and corresponding animations.

The cockpit is a true 3D environment with six degrees of freedom (6DOF) for the camera, allowing the player to move freely, within limits, in the cockpit space to see or reach as required. The point of view can be controlled in all six degrees by the keyboard, mouse, and external view control devices such as TrackIR or Oculus Rift.

To ease the learning curve, each cockpit control element is provided with a pop-up hint activated by a mouse-hover over the control.

To assist the virtual pilot with overcoming the inherent limitations of simulated flight control, the MiG-15bis kneeboard includes a special systems status page that displayed current status of key aircraft and weapons systems as well as the keyboard shortcuts to adjust them.

Additionally, the BST MiG-15bis is the first DCS module to introduce a new AI Helper feature, which reminds players about important steps in case they are missed during start-up or flight.

3D model

DCS: MiG-15bis features an accurate and highly detailed 3D model of the aircraft with a variety of historically accurate high resolution liveries. Multiple-texture maps, normal maps and specular maps are used to achieve a variety of special effects. All moving control surfaces are correctly modeled and animated.